Kadcyla
Generic name:ado-trastuzumab emtansine [ AY-doe-tras-TOOZ-ue-mab-em-TAN-seen ]
Drug class:HER2 inhibitors
What is Kadcyla?
Kadcyla is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Kadcyla is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.
Kadcyla is used both for early breast cancer and for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Kadcyla is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without success.
Kadcyla should not be used in place of Herceptin (trastuzumab).
Warnings
Do not use Kadcyla if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Kadcyla can harm your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before you receive each Kadcyla injection, your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Kadcyla if you are allergic to ado-trastuzumab emtansine.
Do not use Kadcyla if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
To make sure Kadcyla is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia; or
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is Kadcyla given?
Kadcyla is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take 30 to 90 minutes to complete.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Kadcyla is injected.
Kadcyla is usually given once every 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects....
